Monrovia – Liberia’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Amara Soko Sackor, has reaffirmed the Government of Liberia’s commitment to Economic Diplomacy following the successful mobilization of more than US$350 million in development financing and strategic investment commitments through Liberia’s longstanding partnership with leading Arab development institutions.
By Jaheim Tumu
The milestone was highlighted during the dedication of the Gbarnga–Salayea Highway, followed by the signing of a financing agreement for the 56-kilometre Salayea–Konia Road Project, as well as high-level engagements with representatives of the Saudi Fund for International Development (SFD), the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development (KFAED), and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID).
Addressing guests at the dedication ceremony, Ambassador Sackor reflected on his personal commitment to the Gbarnga–Salayea Road, recalling that his engagement with the project dates back to 2013. He described the completion of the highway as a testament to perseverance, effective diplomacy, and the enduring partnership between Liberia and its Arab development partners.
The Ambassador paid tribute to two engineers who lost their lives before witnessing the completion of the project, noting that their dedication and sacrifices will forever remain part of the road’s legacy.
He also expressed profound appreciation to the Infrastructure Implementation Unit (IIU) of the Ministry of Public Works, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Public Works Minister Roland Layfette Giddings, and Minister Beysolow for their collective leadership and commitment throughout the implementation of the project. Ambassador Sackor further paid special tribute to Engineer Maimuna Jalloh and Engineer Ashraf A. Hassan, recognizing their unwavering dedication and technical expertise from the inception of the project to its successful completion.
As part of the visit, Liberia signed a US$63 million financing agreement for the construction of the 56-kilometre Salayea–Konia Road, marking another significant step toward improving connectivity in northern Liberia. The Arab financing institutions also committed to reviewing Liberia’s request for US$80 million to finance the Konia–Voinjama Road Project upon completion of the required technical assessments and documentation.
In another major breakthrough, Ambassador Sackor announced that US$190 million has been secured for the Botota–Foya Power Transmission Line, a transformative energy project expected to expand electricity access and stimulate economic growth across several counties. The development partners also committed US$29 million for the construction of a major sports stadium and US$25 million to support improvements in Liberia’s water and sewer infrastructure.
Additionally, the financing partners pledged grant support to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and presented a US$150,000 grant to the Liberian National Muslim Women Organization in support of its community development initiatives.
While celebrating these achievements, Ambassador Sackor encouraged the Arab development institutions to broaden their investments in Liberia by supporting other priority sectors, particularly energy, agriculture, and education. He emphasized that expanding cooperation in these areas would accelerate economic diversification, strengthen food security, improve human capital, and promote sustainable national development.
The Ambassador noted that the outcomes of the engagements reflect the growing success of Liberia’s Economic Diplomacy agenda under the leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, demonstrating how strategic diplomatic engagement is translating into tangible investments that strengthen infrastructure, improve public services, and create new opportunities for inclusive economic growth.
The dedication of the Gbarnga–Salayea Highway and the series of financing agreements and commitments stand as another milestone in Liberia’s efforts to leverage international partnerships to advance its national development priorities and improve the lives of its citizens.
Support Independent Journalism
Your support helps FrontPage Africa continue delivering independent, credible, and impactful journalism. Every contribution strengthens our ability to investigate, inform, and hold power accountable while keeping quality journalism accessible to our readers.
Support our journalism or subscribe to receive the latest FrontPage Africa stories and updates.
